Bevo XIV, the famed University of Texas sideline mascot since 2004 but was recently discovered to have cancer, died on Friday, the school announced.
The instantly-recognizable steer, with horns measuring 82 inches tip to tip, passed away in his sleep and had been resting at the ranch of his owners and caretakers, Betty and John T. Baker.
The 2,100-pound animal was a National Grand Champion Show Steer who began his time on the UT sidelines at the age of 2. Bevo XIV had a terrific run early. The Longhorns won 25 of their first 26 games with him, including the Rose Bowl win over Michigan and the national championship victory over USC.
Bevo’s overall record was 106-41. That includes a 7-3 mark in bowl games. The steer appeared at President George W. Bush’s second inauguration ceremony in 2005. He was also filmed for the upcoming movie “My All-American,” scheduled to be released in November.
“Bevo XIV was so much more than a traditional mascot — he was so big and strong, but he had such a sweet personality and a gentle soul,” said Ricky Brennes, executive director of the Silver Spurs and Bevo’s day-to-day handler.
The search for a new sideline mascot has already begun, although it’s unclear whether the Silver Spurs will have a new longhorn steer chosen before the end of the regular season.
"Bevo XIV has served as part of a great tradition, and was a rallying point for Longhorns fans," Texas President Gregory L. Fenves said in a statement on Tuesday when it was announced that Bevo was sick. "We all have warm memories of him as he heads in to retirement."
About the Author
